THE RIGHTEOUS BRANCH

The impoverished Snoopy tree is also
a reminder of 2 Corinthians 8:9--that for
our sakes "He became poor."

December's hymn feature, “The Birthday of a King,” celebrates the lowly birth of the King of Kings. Thus, I chose to illustrate it with Charlie Brown’s definitely “lowly” Christmas tree. As you read its brief story, recall the prophecy of Jeremiah 23:5: “I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely.”

The Christmas hymn featured in this blog last year celebrated Christ’s kingly role. But a secular mindset was behind the composition and first performance of “O Holy Night.” Its words were by a non-believing French poet, the music by a Jew, and the first performance by a trained soprano known to both men.  How different the story behind this year’s feature, “The Birthday of a King.” Its composer, William Harold Neidlinger, was an organist at the prominent St. Michael’s Church in New York City who is also remembered for his heart for children with disabilities.

Born in Brooklyn in the middle of the Civil War, in 1863, he studied under great composers of his day in New York and London. His career as a composer and singing teacher also took him to Paris. He taught music in a New York college and served as an organist and choral conductor for many groups. His output included comic operas, cantatas, church music, and secular songs. But his real passion was music for children. His book, “Small Songs for Small Singers,” was a standard text for kindergarten classes throughout America for decades.

The success of that book led Neidlinger to a new passion of helping children with disabilities, particularly those with speech and vocal challenges. He studied child psychology and established a school for such children in East Orange, N.J. He also wrote a book about human speech.

He died at age 62 after a long illness. His obituary in the New York Times mentioned his books, school, musical achievements and health, but not one word about the Christmas song that generations of children plus adults have sung: the joyful carol about the Birthday of a King. 

Sing along with this music video:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=%22the+Birthday+of+a+King%22&docid=608038825080062817&mid=92D48F7B8B8F3322DA0192D48F7B8B8F3322DA01&view=detail&FORM=VIRE